ABSTRACT
The US Environmental Protection Agency is evaluating options for utilizing remote telemetry systems (RTSs). The use of remote telemetry would permit a single qualified operator to monitor and control the water quality and operation of several treatment plants from one centrally located “main” computer. Most telemetry monitoring and controlling software and hardware utilized in the small drinking water systems was originally designed for other industrial process controls. Four key components of a successful plan must be addressed as appropriate prior to the implementation of any telemetry program: justification; engineering and design; integration and dissemination and acceptance. The engineering, design, and set up costs of additional telemetry systems for other small treatment plants is estimated to be about 20% of the original telemetry system. Management, office, and technical personnel must be thoroughly trained for the remote telemetry requirements. The RTS hardware consists of two basic components: the main computer and remote telemetry unit.
